KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 — The 19th Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas), the world’s largest halal exhibition, recorded RM3.11 billion in sales, exceeding the target of RM2.5 billion by 24 per cent, underscoring its significance as a premier global trade platform for the halal industry.
Mihas, which started on September 11 was hosted by the Investment, Trade, and Industry Ministry and organised by Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade).
In a statement, Matrade said the sales were contributed by business deals concluded from two Mihas key programmes — the International Sourcing Programme (INSP) for Malaysian exporters, and the signature trade exhibition involving exhibitors from 40 countries.
“The commendable RM3.11 billion sales achievement, which surpassed our target by 24 per cent, proves that Mihas is still the premier global halal platform,” said Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
He said Malaysia’s Halal Industry Master Plan 2030 targets an industry contribution of RM266 billion, or 11 per cent of Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030.
“In achieving this, we will continue to build on the momentum generated by Mihas 2023, particularly in facilitating market access for our halal industry players to major supply chains globally.
“Most importantly, in line with our New Industrial Master Plan 2030’s economic security and inclusivity agenda, platforms like Mihas contribute significantly to the government’s objective of internationalising micro, small and medium enterprises and strengthening Malaysia’s position as the halal hub in Asia,” he said.
Preliminary calculations showed that the INSP-Matrade flagship programme achieved sales worth RM1.22 billion, while exhibitors garnered sales of RM1.89 billion. These preliminary sales figures could potentially increase as the virtual INSP business matching lasts until November 30.
Meanwhile, Matrade chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said Mihas 2023 placed due emphasis on collaboration.
“For example, more than 30 MOUs were exchanged between Malaysian and foreign organisations throughout Mihas. Matrade also expended considerable effort to engage other government organisations, resulting in the participation of 34 federal and state agencies in this year’s Mihas,” he said.
Reezal Merican said more than 800 exhibitors have already expressed interest in Mihas 2024 set for September 17 to 20 next year.
Mihas 2023 attracted 38,566 visitors from over 100 countries, surpassing the anticipated 35,000 visitors. Among them, 29,090 attended in person, while 9,476 joined virtually. The in-person INSP connected 469 Malaysian companies with 231 international buyers from 44 countries, including 11 premium buyers. This initiative facilitated 2,788 business meetings.
— Bernama
